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Oliver Cowdery to Joseph Smith, May 7, 1831 |
No change in
Lamanite situation. Oliver Cowdery and Ziba Peterson visited Lafayette
county in April and found some interest there. Missouri religionists, denominations.
Expecting Parley's return. |
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Joseph: Lamanite mission the most engrossing subject |
¶ |
The elders now began to go to the western Country two
and two, according to the previous word of the Lord. <about
this time> From P. P. Pratt. who had returned from this
expedition <mission> of last fall, during the spring,
we had verbal information, and from letters from the still remaining
elders we had written intelligence; and as this was the most important
subject which then engrossed the attention of the saints, I will here
insert the copy of a letter received about this from that
Section, <time we received the following Letter> dated at Kaw township (Mo.) May 7. 1831. |
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MH-A, 122–123. |
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No news
re: Lamanites
Investigators in Lafayette county |
¶ |
Our dearly beloved Brethren,
I have nothing particular to write as concerning the Lamanites; and because of
a short Journey which I have Just returned from; in consequence of which I have
not written to you, Since the 16th of last [123] month. I <myself> and
br. Ziba <Peterson> went into the
county east, which is L<F>ayette and is about 40 miles;
And in the name of Jesus we called on the people to repent, many of whom
are, I believe, earnestly searching for truth, and if sincerely, I pray
they may find that precious treasure;—for it seems to be wholly
fallen in the streets <so> that equity. <cannot enter.> |
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Suffer
shame for Jesus
Sectarian opposition
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¶ |
The Letter we received from you informed us that the oposition
was great against you; now our beloved brethren we verily believe that
we also can rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer shame for his
name, for almost the whole country, which consists of universalist, Atheists,
Deists, Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists, and professed Christian
priests, and people, with all the devils from the infernal pit, are united,
and foaming out their own shame; God forbid that I should bring a railing
accusation against them, for vengeance belongeth to him who is able
to repay: and herein, brethren, we confide. |
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Christian: official name of Barton Stone's restoration movement which would soon merge with Alexander Campbell's congregations. |
Navajo
blankets made west of Santa Fe |
¶ |
I am informed of an other tribe of Lamanites, lately,
who have abundance of flocks of the best kind of sheep and cattle, and
they manufacture blankets of a superior quality. The tribe is very numerous;
they live three hundred miles west of Santa Fe, and are called Navashoes;
Why I mention this tribe is, because I feel under obligations to communicate
to my branch every information concerning the Lamanites, that I meet
with in <my> labors and travels, believing as I do that much is
expected from me, in the cause of our Lord; and doubting not but I am
daily remembered before the throne of the most High, by all of my brethren,
as well those who have not seen my face in the flesh, as those who have. |
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Expect
Parley's return |
¶ |
We begin to expect our brother Pratt soon; we have heard
from him only when he was at St. Louis. We are all well, (bless the Lord!)
and preach the gospel we will. if earth and hell oppose our way. and we
dwell in the midsdt of scorpions: for in Jesus we trust: grace be with
you all. Amen |
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P. S. I beseech br. whitney to remember and write, and direct
to me, Independence, Jackson Co. Missouri |
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Oliver Cowdery |
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Oliver Cowdery
Missouri
Home
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